jpost.com
Smotrich's West Bank Power Grab Fuels Annexation
In February 2023, Bezalel Smotrich's dual ministerial appointments gave him control over West Bank civilian affairs, leading to the creation of the Settlement Administration, driving settlement expansion and increased Israeli control, despite budget cuts elsewhere and a war raging in Gaza. This is part of a larger strategy of annexation.
- How does the Settlement Administration's function contribute to the broader Israeli annexation agenda in the West Bank?
- Smotrich's actions demonstrate a strategy of de facto annexation, systematically transferring authority from military to civilian control in the West Bank. This involves creating new administrative bodies, bypassing existing structures, and prioritizing settlement expansion over Palestinian needs. This is occurring under the cover of the ongoing war in Gaza, diverting attention and resources.
- What immediate changes resulted from Smotrich's dual ministerial appointments regarding Israeli control over the West Bank?
- Bezalel Smotrich, appointed as both Finance and Defense Minister in February 2023, gained control over civilian West Bank affairs. He established the Settlement Administration, furthering settlement expansion and tightening Israeli control. This involved significant budget allocation towards settlements, despite widespread budget cuts elsewhere.
- What are the long-term implications of the current trajectory of settlement expansion and legislative actions in the West Bank?
- The ongoing shift towards Israeli sovereignty in the West Bank is irreversible, fueled by the Settlement Administration's actions and legislative efforts. A recent Knesset bill, if passed, would formalize Knesset legislative authority in the West Bank, solidifying annexation. This, coupled with increased settlement activity and the silencing of Palestinian voices, points towards a future where Palestinian rights are severely curtailed.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The narrative strongly emphasizes the Israeli government's actions regarding settlement expansion and annexation, portraying them as a systematic, deliberate strategy. The headline (if any) and introductory paragraphs likely highlight this aspect. The author's personal connection to the October 7th attack and the concluding condemnation of the government's policies further shape the narrative to strongly criticize the Israeli government's actions. The inclusion of personal anecdotes serves to establish a strong emotional connection with the author's perspective and strengthen the framing of the article.
Language Bias
The author uses strong, emotionally charged language throughout the article, such as "murderous Hamas attack," "annexationist coup," "ethnic cleansing," and "apartheid regime." These terms convey strong negative connotations and are not objectively neutral. While conveying the author's perspective, the use of this emotionally charged language diminishes the article's objectivity. More neutral alternatives could include describing the attack as the "Hamas attack" or focusing on the expansion policy without the term "coup." The repeated use of terms like "annexation" and "sovereignty" frames the issue in a very specific and potentially biased light.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the actions of the Israeli government regarding settlement expansion in the West Bank and largely omits detailed perspectives from Palestinian residents and their experiences. While the author mentions violence against Palestinians and demolitions of Palestinian structures, there is limited direct quotation or detailed accounts from Palestinians affected by these actions. The omission of Palestinian voices creates an imbalance in the narrative and potentially limits the reader's understanding of the full impact of these policies.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a clear dichotomy between the Israeli government's actions and the suffering of Israelis, particularly those affected by the Hamas attack. While acknowledging the humanitarian crisis and hostage situation, it frames the settlement expansion as a separate, ongoing issue with less emphasis on potential interconnectedness or alternative approaches. This framing simplifies a complex situation and may lead readers to perceive the issues as mutually exclusive.
Sustainable Development Goals
The appointment of Bezalel Smotrich and the establishment of the Settlement Administration have led to increased settlement expansion, violence against Palestinians, and demolitions of Palestinian structures. These actions violate international law and undermine the prospects for a just and lasting peace in the region. The text highlights the systematic effort to cement Israeli sovereignty over the West Bank, establishing a reality of Jewish supremacy while confining the Palestinian population to ever-smaller enclaves. This directly contradicts the principles of justice and strong institutions, fostering instability and conflict.